INTRODUCTION

We humans are on an expansion spree,we are increasing in number at an alarming rate, in comparison to the livable land available. And out of the land that we have only half of it can be used for human habitation.

What results due to lesser land space is smaller homes to live in. The key to happy living is to conform and make the most out of what we get. Its all about making your house into a home.

A little of this and a little of that can turn your place in to a haven

WHY AND HOW??

Everyone has a different reason for living in a smaller place, some may have afford ability issues while some just can’t maintain a bigger house. its in such cases that the idea of compact living creeps in.

• Compact living

with the strong concomitant demand for individual living accommodation, combined with high land and property prices, space has become one of the fundamental issues in interior design today.

Among architects and interior designers there is a keen awareness that space has become a luxury, and consequently a growing desire to find ever more inventive solutions to cope with space limitations

Compact living is not about creating a series of tiny rooms, committing yourself to a certain size of table. Its about making the best use of a space , so that it begins to earn its keep.

Discussions with designers on how to make the best use of a limited living area result in the same basic line of approach , time and time again: the key to small space living is; FLEXIBILITY AND CONVERTIBILITY. The trick is to use your space two times over. most of us want a place to cook, eat, some place to accommodate a guest , a place to work or sleep, but each function doesn’t necessarily require a separate room.

• THE FRAMEWORK

Firstly, considered planning should be done,which includes giving thought to which activities merit the lion’s share of the space, so space should be adequately designated for them.

The next most important thing is to unclutter, you need to decide what is going to stay with an unbiased mind towards your old prized possession. Here utility, that too in a multiple fashion is your priority. Small space living is best kept uncluttered so as to accomadate and to add to the storage area.

Divide the space with changes in floor level and designate different areas of activity with screening walls specially the ones made of glass to create an illusion of space beyond.Storage is a necessity for all of us; unfortunately, it is often a big challenge when it comes to small spaces. But there are some unique ways that you can make the most out of your home’s storage space, without having to give up your much-valued living space. low level storage – units fitted under beds and or seating makes use of otherwise wasted space. an understairs space might be large enough to house a utility room or a home office. use high level spaces to hold items that are needed only occasionally.All too often lighting is only an after thought , when it should be given an important consideration from the outset. natural light is best for illuminating areas during the day. keep your desk or table near the window but remember to keep your computer screen away as an uncomfortable glare might occur.for working spaces a overall ambient light supplemented by strong direct adjustable lighting should be done. anglepoise lamps are ideal.

The colors that you use can really change the look and size of pretty much everything.

• Use a higher gloss paint to reflect light. Paint only one wall a rich color, leaving the rest neutral.
• Paint insets, such as wall nooks, bookcase backs, and between shelves a richer color to draw the eye out of the middle of the room, creating a sense of space.
• Most of the color palette of the room should be neutral, adding to the sense of space. Use darker and richer colors as accents.
• Cool colors, like blue and green, are best for a smaller room, as they are distance colors. White always adds an element of space to your area.

The newer concepts and technologies should be added to make your home user friendly.

• Canopy beds are the newest trends; they can be suspended from the ceiling leaving the space below for you to move around.


Round Island Kitchen

• Another trend that is catching up fast is island kitchens; its like incorporating a seating area in your kitchen so it solve purpose of two separate areas

• Always keep your furniture at a low level. Ottoman chairs being the nicest examples.
  “Compact living” requires considered planning , self discipline and pairing down of possessions. in those who are up to the challenge, it can prompt some marvelous inventive design solutions.

For more solutions

6 Tips for Making the Most of a Small space

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